The
best-selling PC game series of all time has finally
released a true sequel - and it's now available on
the consoles. It may not be as deep as the PC version
but compared to most console games, this one is a
bottomless pit.

After
countless Sims variations and expansion packs, The
Sims 2 is the first official sequel to the original
simulated life experience that came to life as SimCity
on the Commodore 64 in 1989. By the early 90s it had
endeared its way into the hearts of computer nerds
everywhere. After the nerds had their way with it,
The Sims would eventually become a mainstream phenomenon
and the most popular computer game of all time.

What
makes the game so popular? In a way, it's like the
ultimate role-playing game but without the monsters,
swords and dungeons. You play as a regular person
in a simulated, real-world environment where you interact
with other characters in an attempt to make something
of yourself. The incredible depth gives players unlimited
freedom to make choices that continually alter elements
of the gameplay. Not to mention that there's an excellent
sense of humor and mischief that courses through the
game's digital veins.

The
Sims 2 on the consoles differentiates itself from
the PC version in that it doesn't deal with aging,
death or offsprings. Instead it offers more console-friendly
fare such as the ability to control your characters
with the analog stick. This gives them free range
of movement like you would find in an action game.
You can still use the controller in a point and click
fashion but why would you want to?

Story
and Freeplay are the two main modes. Story is a good
place to start as it will give you some structure
to your simulated life. Creating your character can
be an overwhelming experience if you're the type that
can't make up your mind. Not only can you choose among
faces, hairstyles, clothes, accessories and body types
but you will also have to define your character's
personality traits. Not to mention sex. Did I just
mention sex? No, there is no sex in this game. Only
in relation to gender.

Will
your character be lazy, ambitious, freaky, conservative,
hot, hostile, shy or playful? During conversations
you will be offered a variety of topics, statements,
questions and answers. You can assume any variety
of traits simply by your actions, questions or responses.
Ultimately you must fulfill your ambitions in the
story mode to complete the game. By accomplishing
small goals and making your character happy you will
earn aspiration points which you can use to acquire
more material good such as furnishings for your home.
Progressing results in various spin offs such as better
jobs, better income, a better class of friends and
eventually romance. You will eventually find yourself
in control of numerous sims which can become more
than a little hectic.

For
every action there is an opposite reaction. Sims will
have to eat, go the toilet, shower, sleep, work and
play. If you're having too much fun you might not
be able to make it up in time for work thus jeopardizing
your livelihood and current lifestyle. If you fail
to watch your personal hygiene you might begin to
lose friends. If you don't eat properly you might
get sick. There are a lot of things going on but you
will be reminded of most of them. It's not annoying
in the typical micro-management sense that seems more
of a burden designed to keep you from the fun parts
of the game. Micro-management is the main objective
in the game. But it's crafted in such a way as to
be an incredibly entertaining experience. You are
controlling the game as opposed to it controlling
you - at least that's the way it feels.

For
more freedom and less structure, the Freeplay mode
lets you choose a character, neighborhood and home
and have at it. You can create or acquire just about
anything you can imagine but of course you've got
to come with some means to pay for it all. There is
no GTA mode where you can turn to a life of crime
for fast, huge profits. Hey, there's an idea for a
sequel.

Conversations
appear more natural in that you are actually given
visual clues to interpret the other characters' feelings.
Body language will let you know who wants to get close
to you and who may not like you simply by how close
they are standing or if they are looking away or crossing
their arms. Another not-so-subtle indicator is the
hue surround the scene. If it's blue, things are cold.
If it turns to a deep pink then romance has a chance
of blossoming. The interface is incredibly easy to
access and there are some choices that you just can't
resist making just to see what happens. This makes
for tons of replay value since you can't be everything
to everyone at one go-round.

Graphically
the characters and environments are much more refined
than the original game. There is depth and dimension
both visually and in the personalities. The visuals
are well detailed and colorful while retaining that
patented Sims cartoon look. The animation is fluid
and the songs are upbeat and tuneful if not a bit
too much on the poppy side. The Sims don't talk but
communicate in a form of gibberish that allows your
imagination to fill in the blanks.

There's
nothing not to like in The Sims 2. Since it's all
up to you the only thing you can complain about is
how you played the game. If this is your cup of tea
then you can expect weeks and months of game play.
For the right consumer this game will provide unrivaled
replay value.